PMI celebrates Christmas in district jail

“Most of you are perhaps inside the four walls of this jail for mistakes not committed by you. But don’t develop a feeling that you are away from the mainstream of society,” said Mayor Gulzar Banu.

Addressing undertrials at a programme organised by Prison Ministry India (PMI) to celebrate Christmas at District Jail here on Friday, she appealed them not to develop hatredness. Instead, try to be role models once you come out of the jail, she appealed.

In his message, the chief guest, Prof A M Narahari, who is also the Registrar of St Aloysius College, said that no human being is a born criminal. On the other hand, some times, circumstances make a person commit mistakes.

Appealing the undertrials to utilise the available time in the jail to reform, he hoped that the undertrials were freed and lead a honourable life once they are out of the jail.

Mangalore Diocesan Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, in his Christmas message, said that Jesus came to this world to love each and every person.

Blessing all those who were gathered at in the jail premises, the Bishop hoped that the Christmas and the ensuing new year would bring hope and cheer in the lives of undertrials as well as their family members.

Jail Superintendent K Doddakamaiah lauded the efforts of PMI for offering their services and appealed the undertrials to make use of the facilities offered by PMI members. As a part of the programme, priests and seminarians belonging to Dominican order, sang Christmas carols and performed a skit with a message on reformation.

PMI Director Rev Fr Elias D’Souza welcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities of the PMI while Treasurer Stany D’Souza proposed a vote of thanks. Later, all the inmates were given sweets and fruits.

The Mayor also visited the women’s cell and had a brief chat with the women inmates.